Awnings

[Overland-Indiana]

I am looking at awnings for the rig, wanting to get one here soon. It will be mounted to my roof rack.
Suggestions?

I am currently looking at this: http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-Awning-1250-ARB3110A-P3655.aspx

The price seems fair and I know ARB is good quality.

Opinions or suggestions?
Also, I may eventually want to add sides to it.

 

[Overland-Indiana]

This is another option I am looking at: http://www.4wd.com//Retractable-Awning.aspx?t_c=88&t_s=565&t_pt=9575&t_pn=S/B2784&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping&emlprox=out&ppcfon=1&gp=1&gclid=CISo0suWw8kCFYI_aQode5sINg#overview_Container

 

[toxicity_27]

Personally I wouldn't buy anything from Smittybuilt. I've heard good things about the ARB awnings though.

 

[Lifestyle Overland]

x2 on the ARB.

If you want to get real crazy, check out the Foxwing Awning.

 

[Nomad]

I have never needed anything but a $10 tarp so do these expensive tarp thingys keep you dryer or just make you look cooler an inquiring mind wants to know?

 

[Steve]

I have the 2500 ARB awning on my Outback, and love it! It is 8' 2" X 8' 2". If you have room and the extra cash, I'd go with at least the 2000 model. Four feet wide is barely room to sit two chairs under, and wouldn't be much protection from wind-driven rain.

I bought mine from Alpha Expedition. At the time earlier this spring, they had the best price and free shipping. http://www.alphaexpedition.com/arb-awning-2500-x-2500/

 

[Robert OB 33/48]

Hello Jordan,

ARB is great, but as most of those things, very expensive. And, but that is my very personal opinion, they make your car look "different".
So we did this

Not as nice as the ARB, with a bit more work, about 2 minutes. But, total cost under 120€ an ARB one cost in the UK about 350 pounds. So, around 380 €.
So, doing it yourself, is much cheaper and its fun. And you did it yourself.

 

[Overland-Indiana]

I though about going the DIY route, but honestly I don't have time. And it is so convenient to just pull it out from the side of the rack. @Steve awesome! What are the measurements (length is all i care about) of yours when it is rolled up? If you don't mind me asking.

I am leaning towards the ARB ones, that Smittybuilt price was a little better, but there is probably a reason for that.

 

[Overland-Indiana]

Oh, one more thing @Steve do you have any pictures of how it is attached?

 

[Steve]

@jordanbrooks Take a look at my build thread HERE, particularly page 5, which shows the FourTreks modular awing mounts. You'll also note on the first page that I have two separate roof mount setups; one for the basket, LED bar and awning, and another for two bike racks, two kayak racks, and the awning. That second configuration uses an entirely different mount, sandwiched between my crossbars and bike rack.

Also note that the ARB awning comes with fasteners, but no mounting brackets. Overall length of the ARB 2500 with cover is 8' 9"

CLICK HERE for a link to my gallery of photos of the awning.

I hope that helps,
Steve

 

[murps]

A tarp, poles and para cord is what I use. Compact and cheap

 

[RiverCityDave]

We fooled around with he tarps and such for years, and I still always carry one for whatever might pop up, but you can't beat the ARB awning. The convenience, and structure is perfect. It costs a few dollars, but you can build your own bumper too and save a buck, but most folks agree that ARB has that figured out better.

 

[Offroad Touring]

I have two ARB awnings fitted to my Nissan Patrol. The side one has been on there since 2009 and the rear since 2012. I can't fault them for quality.

One if the most important aspects of a good awning is the quality of the storage bag. That's what does sit out in the elements. I use a silicone spray on the zip to keep it working smoothly, mostly because of the Outback dust.



When I was installing it I made up this template which made life easier.



The Nylock nuts help hold it all in place.



The side windbreak wall is easy to fit and extends the amount of usable room.

 

[Tim]

I use one of these; http://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/tents-awnings/front-runner-modular-awning.html
Basically an awning in a bag that you clip to your roof rack or bars when you need it and take it off when you don't. Means I can fit it over the back or either side as needed and can also be free standing.

 

[Ontario Overland]

I have both an rhinorack 2m awning and an rhinorack Foxwing awning.

 

[Laughing Otter]

Made my own for the Rover...looks professional...cost me cost me $56.00 for all materials and 2 hours of my time...I'll get some pics up soon!

 

[Laughing Otter]

A tarp, poles and para cord is what I use. Compact and cheap

Same here except added a 7' long 6" dia. PVC pipe attached to the side and just below my roof rack to store the tarp and poles in...the tarp snaps onto the PVC...$56.00 and 2 hours to attach and add the snaps... and "Tah-Dah"!!! A 7'x7' dry or shaded area... it goes up in 7-8 mins. and down even quicker!

 

[Laughing Otter]

I have two ARB awnings fitted to my Nissan Patrol. The side one has been on there since 2009 and the rear since 2012. I can't fault them for quality.

One if the most important aspects of a good awning is the quality of the storage bag. That's what does sit out in the elements. I use a silicone spray on the zip to keep it working smoothly, mostly because of the Outback dust.



When I was installing it I made up this template which made life easier.



The Nylock nuts help hold it all in place.



The side windbreak wall is easy to fit and extends the amount of usable room.

Nissan Patrol...Awesome...thumbs up!

 

[Ontario Overland]

Same here except added a 7' long 6" dia. PVC pipe attached to the side and just below my roof rack to store the tarp and poles in...the tarp snaps onto the PVC...$56.00 and 2 hours to attach and add the snaps... and "Tah-Dah"!!! A 7'x7' dry or shaded area... it goes up in 7-8 mins. and down even quicker!

I did the same thing. One of the first mods on my FJ.

 

[Wildland Outdoors]

What thickness of plate or how thick are the mounts you guys are using to mount your ARB awnings? I am getting some work done to my current rack and am going to have my buddy weld on some plate for mounting. @Offroad Touring